Unilateral or Bilateral Salpingo Oopherectomy

A unilateral salpingo oopherectomy is a procedure in which the ovary and fallopian tube on one side of the body is removed. A bilateral salpingo oopherectomy is when both fallopian tubes and ovaries are removed.

What are the risks associated with this procedure?

Damage to a vein or artery that could cause serious bleeding.

Making a hole in my bladder that could cause a tract (fistula) between my vagina and bladder.

That I may have difficulty emptying my bladder.

Damage to my ureters, the tubes that carry urine from my kidneys to my bladder.

Damage to my intestine or track (fistula) between my intestine and skin, vagina, or other organ and need for additional surgery.

That I may develop infection in my incision or in my pelvis.

That my doctor may not be able to completely remove all of my tubes and ovaries and another operation could be required to do so in the future.

How do I prepare for unilateral or bilateral salpingo oopherectomy?

Follow your health care provider's instructions about not smoking before and after the procedure. Smokers heal more slowly after surgery. They are also more likely to have breathing problems during surgery. For this reason, if you are a smoker, you should quit at least 2 weeks before the procedure. It is best to quit 6 to 8 weeks before surgery. Also, your wounds will heal much better if you do not smoke after surgery.

Follow any other instructions your provider gives you. If you are to have general anesthesia, eat a light meal, such as soup or salad, the night before midnight. Do not even drink coffee, tea, or water.

What happens after the procedure?

You are likely to feel tired and need rest two or three times a day for a for three to four weeks. You will gradually improve. You can drive as soon as you can make an emergency stop without discomfort, generally after three weeks. You can start sexual relations before you return for the six-week check, if you feel comfortable enough, and you have no blood loss. You should be able to return to work after about six weeks.